The Society of Professional Locksmiths appreciates News Reporter Chad Silber for being the ONLY news reporter in the United States that has reported accurately about what is known as "locksmith scammers."

This young cub, nailed his recent news report by clearly identifying that locksmiths are not engaged in scamming the consumers. His news headline reads - "Criminals Acting as Locksmiths to Steal from Victims." There was no fluff reporting or blatant activist style reporting which as we have seen elsewhere.

The SOPL has for a very long time advocated for the hardworking locksmiths while other locksmith associations subversively supported and aided in the misinformation in order to force failed and unwanted licensing on the industry in order to restrain trade and eliminate competition.

Nebraska is characterized as a major producer of beef, and pork, and Chad certainly delivered that beef! The only pork I saw was the subliminal reference of showing the Yellow Page disclaimer notice 2 times that reads - "State or local law may require locksmiths to be licensed. If you have any questions regarding licensure, please contact your locksmith licensing authority." Since there is no such thing in Nebraska why show it unless it is yet another attempt to make a false impression? I think Nebraskan's can see through the false sense of security offered by licensing.

Either way it appears that maybe the news media is starting to hear the voice of the SOPL, and realizing the fact that many of them have been misled by those with a licensing agenda. This agenda has been proven to be a con job, flawed and a failure that has only harmed the industry. The locksmith industry does not want it, but a minority group with special interests does and falsely claim it will stop those posing as locksmith. It doesn't and has not.

Contrast this with a recent story in Memphis, Tennessee from Lauren Squires of WMCTV (http://www.wmctv.com/story/23151233/locksmiths-busted-for-operating-without-a-license). In the text portion of the report, it is stated that, "Law prevents incidents where locksmiths show up, quote a low price, drill the lock, and destroy the lock. In this case, they destroyed the lock, and then charged the customer more money than they quoted." The statement is true with regard to what is already illegal, but misleading in that none of the men arrested did any of those things. Worse yet, the video report showed an image of a vandalized lock, but again, it was not the result of the actions of any of the men arrested!

I sent the following email to Ms. Squires:
"As Managing Director of the Society of Professional Locksmiths, I am keenly interested in this story. Unfortunately, it left me with more questions than answers. I hope you can help me out with a couple of those questions. First, exactly which law enforcement agencies were involved, and were there any charges other than operating without a license? Second, in the video, a vandalized lock is shown; was this part of the actions of those arrested, or was it an unrelated image, used for effect? I'm just trying to determine if these guys did anything wrong, aside from not having a license. I would greatly appreciate your help on this."

Her response:
"Thank you for your comments. Unfortunately in the business world, a few bad apples make it difficult for hard working people like yourself. We do our best to present an objective story."

Poppycock!

In a second email I sent her before I had received a response to my first, I also suggested she look into why a company like Run Local does have a Tennessee license. In her email response she also said she would look into that. I'll believe that when I see it.

Meanwhile, I found that the image of the vandalized lock had been supplied by Peifer Safe and Lock, who had been consulted about the story. It was from an unrelated incident. And the booking reports for the arrested men show that they were arrested only for impersonating a licensed professional. No indication that they were going to charge more than was quoted or drilled or damaged any locks or property. Just technical violation of the licensing law.

So, thumbs up to honest, accurate reporters like Chad Silber. Thumbs down to misleading reports like that of Lauren Squires.

Reply

glenn younger

8/19/2013 15:20:10

Thanks for sharing the the link to the Nebraska reporter.
He nailed the main point; people POSING as locksmiths.
So that brings up the question: what is a good, fast and reliable way for people to be able to tell the difference between actual locksmiths, and those posing as locksmiths?

Best, fastest, most reliable place to find an actual locksmith is right here Glenn: http://www.sopl.us/find-a-locksmith.html :)

Unless you are living in the land of leprechauns and lollipops, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. To suggest that there is, is a lie. Just like choosing an auto mechanic, plumber, electrician, or carpet cleaner. You have to do your research, and not everyone has the same criteria.

Perhaps the easiest way for the average consumer to screen locksmiths is just to ask questions, and to expect to be asked questions. The customer has to be responsible for at least some degree of reasonable expectations. Expecting someone to come out and do anything for you for $15 is not reasonable.

Knowledgeable customers are the best weapon against scammers, and our industry has done a pitiful job of informing the public.

I think licensing the locksmiths don’t mean that scammers will be eliminated. But I guess it would be better to have a stricter law that will punish scammers. Thanks by the way for sharing this information.